I have been very proud watching the progress of Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last couple of months. Harry, also known as Nitro from Gladiators, was a student at Greenshaw when I had only been here for a few years. He was, and remains, a great personality and a superb role model for our future generations of students.

Unfortunately, Harry was the latest celebrity to be voted off the show last weekend. I’d like to extend huge congratulations from all of us here at Greenshaw for what he has achieved. Harry regularly visits our sports days, presenting medals and certificates, and I am sure we will see him very soon when he has finished his round of interviews.

Remembrance Day

In school this week our Head of History, Mr Bell, has spoken with all students from Year 7 to Year 13 about why we remember the fallen soldiers of many conflicts, and particularly why World War One is so symbolically important. Mr Bell talked about the poppy as a symbol, and shared a poem from John McCrae called In Flanders Fields.
As well as Mr Bell sharing images of the Armistice meetings in 1918, he also asked students to reflect on a range of other wars. He told the school that nearly 190 million people have lost their lives in conflict across the world since 1900.

This powerful explanation, with images and readings, was followed by a time of silent reflection for all of our students. Thank you to Mr Bell for thinking so carefully about the assembly, and to all of our students for recognising this important day with respect and solemnity. 

Year 11 parents’ evening, 8th January 2026

Over the last few years, we have conducted nearly all our parents’ evenings online. The last time I asked families what they would prefer (online or in person) there was a preference for online.

Although it wasn’t universal, families generally seemed to come down on the side of online meetings with teachers because this was easier for families to access (dialling in from home, rather than travelling to school) and that appointments kept to their timing.

However, at the Year 11 information evening in September, a number of Year 11 families enquired about the possibility of meeting their children’s Year 11 teachers in person. Overall, my experience of parents’ evenings in person has been mixed. In the worst cases, appointment timings overrun, and things can become disorganised pretty quickly. And I am definitely speaking with my parental hat on here! At the same time, I do recognise that there is something particular about the final parental meeting before GCSE exams start.

However, I did hear what Year 11 parents said to me and I would like to test whether this would work for most families. If you are a Year 11 parent and would like to let me know your thoughts please click this link here and share your opinions.

Students of the week

Congratulations goes to our stars of the week listed below for maintaining their commitment, focus and sense of drive. Well done to one and all!

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
Kiaan	Angela	Karan	Daniel H	Gideon	Viktor/Harli

Mr N House, Headteacher